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Complement is a key first line innate host defense system in the blood of vertebrates. Upon activation, this powerful defense mechanism can elicit inflammatory responses, lyse non-self-cells, or mark them for opsonophagocytic removal. Blood-feeding arthropods thus require the ability to block host complement activation in the bloodmeal to prevent undesired cell or tissue damage during feeding. The

INTRODUCTION: In the ECG, significant ST elevation or depression according to specific amplitude criteria can be indicative of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Guidelines state that the ST amplitude should be measured at the J point, but data to support that this is the optimal measuring point for ACS detection is lacking. We evaluated the impact of different measuring points for ST deviation on the

The transition to a circular economy requires the development of new business models. However, ‘circular’ businesses face a number of barriers when competing in the current ‘linear’ economy, and may require the support of public policies. Public procurement may be applied for this purpose, as it can support emerging markets for reconditioned and remanufactured products. Public procurement can also

Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind beta cell dysfunction is essential for the development of effective and specific approaches for diabetes care and prevention. Physiological human beta cell models are needed for this work. We review the possibilities and limitations of currently available human beta cell models and how they can be dramatically enhanced using genome-editing technologies

The value of a statistical life (VSL) is a widely used measure for the value of mortality risk reduction. As VSL should reflect preferences and attitudes to risk, there are reasons to believe that it varies depending on the type of risk involved. It has been argued that cancer should be considered a "dread disease," which supports the use of a "cancer premium." The objective of this study is to in

Background: When a relative with a critical illness is admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), it can be a life-changing event for the partner. There is a lack of studies that focus on the partners' experiences of the time after intensive care. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of partners of intensive care survivors and their need for support after intens

BACKGROUND: Semen quality in humans may be influenced by exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed associations between semen characteristics and serum xenoestrogen receptor (XER), xenoandrogen receptor (XAR), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transactivity. XER and XAR activity were measured in serum samples cleared for endogenous steroid hormones and AhR activity in r

Aims: The aim of this study was to test a Child-Centred Health Dialogue model for primary prevention of obesity for 4-year-old children in Child Health Services, for its feasibility and the responsiveness of its outcomes.Methods: A feasibility study was set up with a non-randomised quasi-experimental cluster design comparing usual care with a structured multicomponent child-centred health dialogue

Aims: In this article we explore the moderators of effectiveness of WISEteens (Web-based brief Intervention for SubstancE using teens), a fully automated web-based brief motivational intervention targeting risky substance use among adolescents. Based on previous studies, we examined the differential effects on drinking of sex, readiness to change, self-efficacy, alcohol risk status, and parental m

The value of a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and the value of a statistical injury (VSI) are important measures within health economics and transport economics. Several studies have, therefore, estimated people's willingness to pay (WTP) for these estimates, but most results show scale insensitivity. The 'original' chained approach (CA) is a method developed to mitigate this problem by combini

Action research has another objective than dominating concepts in social science research – where the research aspects of the study are emphasized rather than creating change, and where objectivity, neutrality and avoidance of bias are important notions in the research process. The action research approach also means that the researchers will cooperate with various actors, such as social workers aAction research has another objective than dominating concepts in social science research – where the research aspects of the study are emphasized rather than creating change, and where objectivity, neutrality and avoidance of bias are important notions in the research process. The action research approach also means that the researchers will cooperate with various actors, such as social workers a